Electrical connection



April 29, 1924. 1491,78@

C. W. COWLES ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Filed Aug. 16. 1922 wwf/ym? Patented Apr. 29,` 1924.

p 1,491,189y UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE.

CLIFFORD W.l COWLES, OF NEW BRITAINCONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR T GROUNDULET COMPANY, OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, A. CORPORATION QF NEW JERSEY.

mncirmcar. ooNNac'rIoN.

Application and .iugm is, 1922. semi no. 582372.

T o all whom t 'may concern:

Be it known that I, CLIFFORD W. CowLas, citizen of the United States, residing at New Britain, in the county of .Hartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrical Connections, of which the following is a specification.

This invent-i nection, or connecting device, the principal object ofthe invention being to provide a structure which is quite simple and the parts of which can be readily assembled and by which a ground connection either in or out of a. building or dwelling, can be easily accomplished, it being a diicult matter at the present time as I understand to lmake such a ground connection with for instance a water pipe and by which' no injury to the connection is possible.

In the drawing accompanying and forming part of the present specification, I have shown in detail a form of embodiment of the invention which to enable those skilled in the art to practice the same willi be set forth fully in the following description. Clearly I am not restricted to this disclosure. I may depart therefrom in a number of respects within the scope of the invention defined by the-claims following Said description.

Referring to said drawing:

Fig. 1 is atop plan view.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section, the pipe being shown in section.

Fig. 3 is a cross section on the line 3-3 of Fig. l.

Like characters refer to like parts throughout the several views.

It is a difficult matter as I know from a variety of causes to make the ground connection, of a service cable or wire or'conductor with a' water pipe. which is generally utilized for the ground. I provide a construction by which such a connection can be made in a rapid and eicient manner.

The connect-ing device involves .in its make-up a duet or connector member such as that ldenoted in a general way by 2 and which is generally of channel or gutter formation. but which may if desired be closed on the upper side after an installation or connectionhas been made. This duct member or connector, preferably conon relates to an electrical cons isvts of a rigid portion and a resilient portion, both usually being constructed of metal although the connector may be constructed of any desired material as long as there is a suitable arrangement made to electrically connect the conduit and the electrical conductor to the pipe or grounded element. The rigid 'portion has at the outer end of its gutter or channel portion, a connecting head as 3 and which is usually tubular and which is provided with means by which asuitable connection or joint may be made with a.

pipe or conduit, tube or other carrier for the cable or wire or electrical conductor. For the purpose, the tube or pipe 4 is shown, the forward end of the pipe being detachably fitted as by threading, into the tubular head 3. l l l The means shownl for mechanically and electrically connecting the duct member 3 with a water pipe or other grounded element ma be of any suitable character, the flexible c ip 5 being shown for the purpose. This flexible clip or strip 5, like the duct member 2, is of electrically conducting ma'- terial. The clip or flexible portion 5 has a comparatively straight shank or tongue 6 which is thrust into the longitudinal seat 7 of duct member 2, thereby providing an extended electrical contact between the tongue strip and member 2. Cli 5, as I will explain hereinafter in det-ai, is connected electrically with duct member 2 as by a bolt or screw 10. In assembling the parts, the free portion 8 of clip 5 is wrapped or coiled partially around water pipo 9 as shown in Figs. 2 and 1. As shown in these figures. the end of duct connector 2 abuts against pipe 9, thereby providing a. mechani- 'cally rigid construction. After the fiexible portion of clip 5 has been passed around water pipe 9 (or other pi e or othei` grounded element). its free eng 8 is rigidly connected to duct connector 20 by the screw or bolt 10, the shank of which projects through a perforation in the tongue or shank 6 of clip 5. the threaded end of A,the screw or bolt 10 being fitted in registering threaded openings inseat-members? of connector duct 2. Thus the threaded part of screw or bolt 10 passes through and is in screwthreaded connection with shank or tongue 6 of clip 5. and also is firmly connected with `trough or duct member 2.

n win be assumed that the pipe or conduit 4 is in threaded or other connection with.

- ment 9 and also electrically connecting said arts. The cable, wire orv lead' 11passed ildirou h the pipe or -conduit 4, will be connecter to tip-p1ece-13 constitutingattachin means for sald. lead'11. Another art o lead-attaching means 13 is connecte to end 8 of clip 5 as by a screw 14. Since clip-end 8 has been connected by screw or bolt 10 to.

seat-parts 7 of connector duct 2, therefore lead 11 will be mechanically and electrically connected with connectorA duct 2as well as with clip 5. Thus, since duct 2 'and clip l5 are in tlght connection with pipe 9, lead 11 by way of said members 2 and 5 will be in good electrical connection with pipe 9. Thus when lead 11 is connected up inside duct member 2, there will be a perfect ground connection for both the lead 11 and conduit 4.

Cable 11 may be electrically and mechanically connected to the inside of duct member 2 in various ways, lFor example, as shown, vwhen part 13 o conducting material is rovided mside duct member 2, cable 11 willi be skinnedto enter 13 as shown, and part 13 may be connected to end 8 of clip 5 as by the screw 14 shown. The device 10 shown serves to make a good electrical connection of cable 11 to the conducting materiall of duct member 2, so as to secure the ground connection to which I have referred between cable 11 ipe 9. Thus irrespective of the means by wlhlch duct member 2 is secured in good contact with part 9, cable .11 is well grounded to 9 without being indirect contact'therewith. Thispermits duct member 2 to be secured topipe 9 inde endently of the connection of cable 11 to uct member 2; that is, it permits the connection'of cable 11 to the interior of duct member 2 to be made independently of the connection of duct member 2 to pipe 9. From the above description, it will be ap arent that the lateral opening in duct member 2 permits the connection of cable 11 to the interior of the duct member,

and said opening permits ins ection of the connection at' any time therea ter; while the eov walls of duct member 2 serve to protect cable 11 and its attaching means against movements of objects brou ht near them. The electrical connection o? cable 11 to the accessible but protected interior of duct member 2, by way of devices 6, 7, 8, 10, 13 and V14, causes this portion of the construction to be independent of the particular means which may be em loyed to secure duct member 2 to p1 e 9, w ich means in the drawings involves e ectrical connection of both clip 5 and the end of duct member 2 with pipe 9. Thus while inany case I may lemploy a duct member with cable 11 and with the attaching means for the cable inside duct member 2 and in good electrical connection with the conductin material of` duct member 2, yet

any suita le means generally equivalent to clip 5 may be employedfor securing duct y,

meniber 2 itself to pipe 9 in good electrical and mechanical connectiontherewith, such equivalent means being any of those known in the art, such as a clamp, or a screw coupl' as 3, as alternativel to the clip or strap '5 own.

` The connector duct with interior means Y:for attaching the cable thereto, and constructed with the lateral opening shown, may be interposed between any vtwo parts of' a grounding system; and for that purposeA its two ends may be constructed in any manner suitable for permitting such 'interposition and to permit said ends to be connected securely, mechanically and electrically,to the ends of the grounding system in which duct member 2 is tobelinterposed. As shown,

- duct member 2 is connected at the left to the making good electrical connection between cable v11 and connector duct 2.

It will be seen from the foregoing de'- scriptions .that there are several important advantages in my improved apparatus for grounding an electrical system together with a conduit system inside which the eleotrical conductors are carried. Although I have illustrated in the drawing only aportion of one .conduit (4) and a portion of a grounding pipe or ground element (9) and a portion of an electrical conductor (11), I desire to be understood as meaning that said portions of each of said conduit, pipe or grounded element and conductor are parts of the usual complete electrical and conduitv systems.

It is myvmain intention that a proper and advantageousground connection may be had 'for the conduit system and for the electrical system. The connecting of the electrical-conductor (as v1.1) to a waterpipe system or ground lelement generally is considered as being a proper grounding connec- 1 tion in the home, but inv central power plants and factories it is advisable to drive one or Yamarte more long metal pieces into the earth and connect the electrical conductor and the conduit system to such grounded elements.A

The main advant of the connecting device' illustrated is t at a sturdy connector of lar e current-carrying ca acity 1s held in posltive engagement with t e water pipe (or other grounded element) and a part of such connector is 4placed under tension to such a degree that vibrations 1n the central power station, manufacturing lants or in the home are not suilicient to oosen the positive en agement with the grounded element. Anot er advantage is that the large area of metal contact between conductors of large current-carrying capacity permits the grounding of a heavy current without the metal being fused or burned so that it se arates land destroys the value of the groun in connection.

ln the usual wiring constructions, substantially all of the cables or conductors are placed within conduits which form a conduit system, and my improved ap aratus illustrates the groun ing of one of t e conduits of such a conduit system. Should there be a grounding of a heavy current which would melt or fuse the conductor or cable, the conduit, being properly grounded, would carr the current to the ground by reason of t e melted ends of the conductor falling into Contact with the conduit.

My construction is believed to be mechanically and electrically as nearly perfect as possible for its purpose,"the only possible defect being that its metal contacting parts are liable to rusting; but anti-rust dipping' or coating, frequent in electrical apparatus, will make the device as nearly perfect as possible, maintaining good contact and prolonging life of the device.

The preferred construction of the connector provides an opening which permits inspection of the connection to the connector of the conductor extending through the conduit. rlhis provision complies with one of the requirements of the Fire Underwriters" rules. A

llt will. therefore, be seen that my type of ground connector protects the electrlcalisystem which is to be` grounded and also the conduit system itself; and that the connector is of such construction that the mechanical connection with the water pipe or other grounded clement prevents loosening due to jarring or other like disturbances. The Underwriters in substantially. ever State re uire that the conduit system as we l as the e ectrical system shall be grounded. and it will be observed that my improved unitary connector readily meets these requirements.

n win be understood 'um while r have herein described in detail a particular embodiment of my invention for purposes of fullv disclosure, and some detailed features r`which I am specifically claiming for special advantage, many changes and modifications may be made in the particular construction an arrangement of parts without departing from the broad scope of my invention which is outlined in the claims.

What I claim is:

l. ln an electrical grounding system, the combination with a conducting conduit, of a conductor lead, and a conducting pipe, of avconducting duct member formed with a lateral `opening jand having means for mechanlcally and electrically connecting` its ends to the conduit and pipe of such systems; and attaching means for said conductor lead, said attaching means being mounted inside the duct member, in electrical connection therewith and in position accessible and visible through the lateral opening of the duct member.

2. An electrical connector comprisin a conducting duct member formed with alateral opening, in combination with lead-attaching means located inside the duct member in position accessible and Visible through said lateral opening; and a flexible metal clamping strip secured in extended contact with the duct member near one end thereof and electrically connected with said leadattaching means; and means on the other end of the duct member to connect it electrically and mechanically to a suitable conducting member.

3. A device for connecting a conduit svstem and an electrical system toa grounded element, whereof the conducting conduit system cncloses a conductor of said electrical system, said connecting device comprising :i channeled body portion provided with means for mechanicallyand electrically connecting it. with a grounded clement of such system, and provided with means for making mechanical and electrical connection with a conducting conduit of said conduit system; said channeled body portion being'v y also provided with means for making electrical connection with an end of the conduitenclosed conductor: and said channeled body portion being provided with means establishing mechanical and electrical connection to the grounded element.

4. In a ground connection. a. connecting device comprising a rigid portion and a flexible portion assembled together end to end: one end of the flexible portion being left tree to engage a conducting pipe` one end of said rigid portion being left. free and constructed to receive an end of a conducting conduit; Said connecting device including means for electrically conncctin said rigid portion to an end of an electrica conductor which passes through the conduit.

5. ln a ground connection, a connecting device comprising a rigid portionv and e.

dexible portion assembled together end 'to end, one' end of the flexible portion being left free and wrapped around a conducting pipe and in electrlcally contacting engagement with a part 'of said ri id ortion; one end of saidv rigid portion be1ng eft free and constructed to receive an end of a conducting conduit; and means for firmly axing to said rigid portion said free end of the flexible portion; said connecting device including means for electrically connecting to said r1gid portion an end of an electrical conductor which passes through `said conduit.

6. ln a groundA connection, a connecting device having a exible portion and a rela.- tively lon ri id portion; means for connect ing said exi le portion and one end of said rigid portion mechanically and electrically to one and the same conducting pipe; and means electrically connectinrr to sald rigid portion a conductor'leading from an electrical system.

7. In a ground connect1on, a connecting device comprising a rigid portion and a flexibleportion assembled together end to end, one end of said flexible ortion being left free 'and Wrapped around, a grounded ele ment Aand brought back into contact -With said rigid portion; means for aflixing said free end of said flexible portion to the rigid portion, said ,rigid portion having a part engaging said grounded element and another part thereof constructed to receive a part of a conduit which carries electrical conductors.

8. In a ground connection, a connecting device comprising a flexible portion engaging a conducting pipe and a rigid portion to which one end of the flexible portion is secured; means for aflixing the otherend of said flexible portion' to the rigid portion; said rigid portion being of channel shape and provided at one end. with acurved portion engagin the curved surface of said conducting plpe and provided at the other end thereof with means for making mechanical and electrical connection with a conducting conduit which encloses an electrical conductor and va lead-attaching device mounted inside the channeled rigid portion in electricalconnec'tion therewith.

9. In a ground connection, a connecting device comprising a rigid portion and a flexible portion assembled together end .to end, said flexible portionfbeing Wrapped around a grounded element and having its free end in contacting engagement with the rigid ortion; means for fastening said free end of) the flexible portion tg the rigid portion: said rigid portion being of channel formation and having its free endS constructed to receive the .end of a conduit which carries electrical conductors; an electrical conductor leading from an electrical system to and through said conduit to said rigid portion of Lipman. Y

the connecting j device;- and means for fas-k tening said conductor to said rigid portion- Within the channel thereof.

1l". In a ground connection, a4 connecting device ycomprising a rigid portion and a flexible portion assembled together end to stantially of channel formation having provided at one end thereof an annularl closed. part arranged to receive ftherewit in the end of a conduit carrying electrical con ductors; means for firmly aiiixing said conduit to said rigid portion; and a lead-attaching device mounted inside the channeled rigid portion' and the other end of said rigid portion adjacent the flexible portion' havlng conforming engagement with the grounded 'element nico-operation with said flexible portion.

1l. In a ground connection, a connecting devlce comprlsing a rigid portion and a vflexible portion assembled together end', to

end, said flexible portion being Wrapped around a grounded element and having its free end in contacting engagement With the rigid portion; said ri id portion being substantially of channel ormation, having provided at one end thereof an annularly closed part arranged to receive'V therewithin the end of a conduit carryin electrical conductors; means for firmly aflixlngsaid conduit to said rigid portion and a, lead-attaching device mounted inside the channeled rigid portionv and means for firmly aflixing the yfree end of said flexible portion to said rigid ortion and simultaneously conforming said exible portion to the grounded element and causing it to ge drawn into tight engagement therewit I2. In a ground connection, the combina-` tion with a connecting device comprising a rlgld portion of channel shape having one end closed circulnferentially, and a flexible portion secured to the rigid portion and havlng a free end; of a grounded element; said flexible portion being wra ped about the grounded element to make e ectrical contact therewith and having its free end in contact ing engagement with said vri id portion within the channel part thereofg; means for fixing said free end of said flexible portion tosaid rigid portion, causing said flexible portionto he placed under tension around said grounded element, therebyl mechanically fastening the connecting? device firmly to said grounded element; a conduit for carrying electrical conductors fastened within the circumferentially closed end of said ri id portion: and anelectrical conductor leadm from said conduit into the channel part o said rigid portion and electrically connected to said rigid portion.

lll

the flexible portion being arranged to en- 'gage positively a grounded metal element;

one end of said rigid metal portion being held in engagement with said grounded element; a conduit carrying electrical conductors and being one of a series of conduits of a. conduit system; said conduit having one end thereof in positive engagement with the free end of the rigid portion of said connector, thereby forming a ground connection for the conduit system; an electrical conductor leading from an electrical system and means for connecting said conductor to said connector, thereby forming a ground connection'for the electrical system.

14. An electrical connector comprising a conducting duct member formed with a lateral open1ng,'in combination with lead-attaching means located inside said duct member in position accessible and visible through said lateral o ning; means at the ends of the duct mem er for mechanically and electrically connecting it with the electrical vconductors desired to be connected; all in combination with a metal strip in extended electrical contact with the duct member and in electrical connection with said leadattach ing means. i

15. In a ground connection, the combination with a connector having a rigid portion thereof of channel shape' and having another ortion which is flexible, means for mechan- 1call aflixing said flexible portion under tension to a conducting pipe; of a conduit for carrying an electrica conductor and held in firm engagement with the rigid ortion of said connector; an electrical con uctorleading from an electrical system and passing through said .conduit into the neled part of said rigid portion of said connector; and means for electrically connecting said conductor to the rigid part of said connector. l Y

16. In a ground connection, the combination of a connector com rising a hollow rigid rtion and a exib e portion assembled together end to end; said flexible ortionv being in firm enga ement wit a grounded element, thereby orming an. electrical and mechanical association of said connector with said lgrounded element; a conduit in coupled re ation with said rigid portion of the connector; an electrical conchanv ductor leading from an electrical system and located within said conduit and within the Vhollow ri'gid portion of said connector; a tip mechanically and electrically connected `Within and to the rigid portion of said connector; and means for electrically connecting said conductor to said tip.

` 17. In a ground connection, the combination of a connector comprising a rigid portion and a flexible portion assembled together end to end, said flexible portion and said rigid portion being co-operatively fastened electrically and `mechanically to a grounded element; said rigid portion being of channel shape except at its'free end where it is closed circumferentially forming a cylindrical head; a conduit leading from a confduit system and arranged to engage said cylindrical head, a set screw for removably holding vsaid conduit in said cylindrical head; an electrical conductor leading from an electrical system; said rigid portion of the connector and said conduit co-operatively receiving and holding said electrical conductor; and a tip electrically and mechanically connected with said conductor and with the rigid portion of said connector.

18. An electrical connector comprising a conducting duct member formed W1th a lateral opening in combination with lead-attaching means mounted inside said duct member in position protected by the walls of the duct member but accessible and visible through the lateral opening of the duct member; said duct member and lead-attaching means being electrically connected together; and means at the ends of the duct -member for mechanically and electrically connecting it with the electrical conductors which are desired to be connected.

19. An electrical connector comprising a conducting duct member formed with a latveral opening 1n combination with llead-attaching means located in the interior of the duct member in position accessible and visible throu h said lateral opening; and means atLthe en s of the duct member for mechanically and electrically connecting it with the electrical conductors desired to be connected; allin combination with means electrically and mechanically uniting the duct member and said lead-attaching means.

In testimony whereof, I hereby aflix my signature.

. CLIFFORD W. COWLES. Witnesses:

BENJ. W. Amano, Enrrn B. Lummen. 

